Storm Leaves a Trail of Fallen Trees in the South

The winter storm that hit the southern states last month left more than just shattered roofs and broken power lines; it also toppled countless trees that had stood for generations.

In Nashville, a quiet blue cottage and its green yard were once a refuge for old trees that had survived the city’s growth. A local resident had taken care of these plants, moving daffodils from neighboring homes and planting young saplings. One particular hackberry tree grew taller than the rest, becoming a landmark on the block.

When sheets of frozen rain fell and temperatures dropped sharply, the storm struck. The smaller mulberry tree, which had just begun to bear fruit, lost its bark in a sudden peel. The larger hackberry suffered heavy damage when its branches fell onto the roof, leaving the owner unsure whether it will recover. The resident described trees as reliable constants that people could count on, but now they feel like another fragile thing that can be lost.

The storm’s impact was felt across many communities. People mourned the loss of loved ones, and others struggled to regain power and heat after more than a week without electricity. Many filed insurance claims for damaged roofs, cars, and other property. Yet the most visible scars are on the trees: branches snapped with a crack that echoed like gunfire, trunks fell through fences and sheds, and power lines were bent by the weight of ice‑laden branches.

These trees have long served as a connection to the past, standing through decades of change. Their sudden disappearance is not just a loss of greenery but also a reminder that nature can be as unpredictable as the weather. The storm’s aftermath will require community effort to rebuild, both in terms of physical infrastructure and the emotional bonds people share with their local landscape.